How Mako Invent discovered lean growth with the help of Google Chrome Browser

Editor's note: Today we hear from Kevin Mako, founder of both Mako Invent, a product development firm that provides design, prototyping, manufacturing, distribution and patenting services to inventors and Mako Design, a firm that provides industrial design, engineering and electronic hardware development services to consumer electronics manufacturers. Read why Mako Invent and Mako Design employees work in Chrome browser and Google Apps to help clients bring new products from idea to market.

I’m an entrepreneur at heart: in high school, I sold golf shirts out of the trunk of my car, and in university I began sourcing products overseas. These experiences taught me that many inventors need help turning their ideas into full-fledged businesses. In 2006, before I graduated from university, I started Mako Invent to do just that. In the past year alone, we launched more than 150 products from keyboards to stoves to razors and screwdrivers. We’re now a 25-employee company with offices in Toronto, Austin and London.

Chrome browser also helps us stay organized. It provides the same experience on any device, so employees see the exact same bookmarks and extensions when they switch from desktop to smartphone, and can instantly pick up where they left off from wherever they may be working. Chrome integrates with Google Apps, which is a huge advantage since we use Apps for everything.

As a small business owner, I’m energized by helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. Google’s fast, reliable tools allow me to run a lean business — I can keep IT costs low without sacrificing the quality of the technology we use. With Chrome, I can be a more productive business-owner, and my company can help more early-stage entrepreneurs.